Cardinals News: 5 biggest storylines as Spring Training comes to an end

This has been one of the most eventful Spring Training's in some time for the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Cardinals had an exciting month in March. With several of their stars competing in the World Baseball Classic, young stars were able to make names for themselves with the fanbase and the organization.

Last season ended an era with the retirement of legends Yadier Molina and Albert Pujols. This season is a changing of the guard with the retirement season for Adam Wainwright and the coming of the organization's top prospect, Jordan Walker.

This season has incredibly high expectations and is already packed with intriguing storylines. Let's discuss the big stories of Spring Training and what that will mean for the long summer ahead.

5. Willson Contreras finds good fit with Cardinals

Cardinals president of baseball operation John Mozeliak's primary goal this offseason was to find and get the best option to replace Yadier Molina. While Molina was a legendary member of the Cardinals as their on-field captain, replacing him in that respect is impossible. But, the team did sign a great option in Willson Contreras.

Contreras is a noticeable upgrade in offense at the catching position. In Spring Training, he's hitting .343/.395/.429 with an OPS of .823. He's had 12 hits, three doubles, five RBI, two walks, and three stolen bases. He's struck out ten times, though. But he's getting on base and being productive when he does.

While there truly is no replacing Molina behind the plate, his new teammates have become comfortable with Contreras and appreciate the intensity he brings to the game now that he's on the Cardinals' side.

It will be good to see Contreras on the Cardinals' side. Seeing how he adjusts to playing for the Cardinals at Busch Stadium will be fun. How he handles his return to Wrigley Field will be important to see too. He has expressed joy that he's with the Cardinals and upset some Cubs fans as he's talked about being on the right side of the rivalry now.

4. Roster moves

Paul DeJong will start the season on the injured list with back issues. Wilking Rodriguez will also begin the season on the injured list with right shoulder tightness. Adam Wainwright will also start the season on the injured list with a groin strain.

Juan Yepez will miss the Opening Day in St. Louis as he will start the season with Triple-A Memphis along with Genesis Cabrera and Jojo Romero. It seems almost like the Cardinals have the luxury to do this, as they have some depth in the bullpen. This also allows them to reward two young players with excellent Spring Training performances. Taylor Motter and the organization's top prospect, Jordan Walker, made it to the roster. It's nice to see the team has the young depth that prevents them from depending on undependable players.

3. Lars Nootbaar becomes international star

Nootbaar went to the World Baseball Classic as a budding Cardinals legend, beloved for his hustle, love for the game, and pepper-grinding spirit. That spirit turned the young man honoring his mother's heritage into an international star who formed a kind of bromance with an even bigger superstar in Shohei Ohtani.

Nootbaar patrolled the outfield for Team Japan, who won the WBC title. He hit .269/.424/.269 with an OPS of .693, with seven hits, seven runs, four RBI, six walks, and two stolen bases. He had some tremendous plays in the outfield as well.

The biggest victory feels like the friendship Nootbaar forged with Ohtani and the Japanese people. The fans quickly fell in love with his Pepper grinder celebration, even bringing large pepper grinders to the game with them.

It's fun to see Nootbaar and the pepper grinder go international. It will be fun to see how the Cardinals brand expands internationally because of this and what Noobaar's friendship with Ohtani could mean for the possibility of him becoming a Cardinal. ... It's nice to think about, anyway!

1. Jordan Walker makes Opening Day roster

The St. Lous Cardinals gave Jordan Walker the best news regarding his status with the team.

Walker is making good on the goal many fans heard him set at Cardinals Caravan events and during Winter Warm-up. He wanted to be at Busch Stadium on Opening Day and take in that full experience with the Red Jackets and the Hall of Famers, the Clydesdales, and the sea of red with a packed-out stadium. St. Louis and Busch Stadium on Opening Day. There's nothing like it, and soon, Walker will get it.

Walker had a tremendous Spring Training. His play and maturity impressed the coaching staff and his teammates along the way.

It's been fun to see the absolute joy Walker has for the game of baseball. Here's hoping he has one heck of a rookie year, and his legend grows by leaps and bounds.